Safety Alert! ESCAPEComputer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely
clear. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call
your local hotline and/or call the National
Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).

THE EARLY YEARSBack to top As the Women’s Movement grew and flourished during the ‘70’s, the
National YWCA charged its state affiliates with conducting a needs
assessment of women and girls. The Council of Ohio YWCAs accepted that
charge and worked to identify Ohio’s most pressing needs. Following a series
of meetings attended by YWCA members and other activists from all over Ohio,
it was decided to form an independent organization, known as Action-For
Battered Women in Ohio Coalition.

Early activities included
speaking engagements, media appearances, workshops and conferences about
battered women. During those years members became involved with making
legislative changes, at both the state and federal levels. New laws included
Senate Bill 46, which allocated a portion of marriage license fees to
shelters for operations, and House Bill 835, which enabled victims to apply
for temporary protection orders. In 1981 a State Project Office was
opened at the Columbus YWCA, 65 South Fourth St. Mary Jo Ginty was named to
the position of State Project Director.

In an effort to support
local efforts Ohio was divided into districts and members gathered at the
district level to discuss issues and share problem-solving ideas. In
addition, there were statewide surveys to identify critical issues of a
statewide nature. Members made site visits to shelters and provided
technical assistance to ensure that victims throughout Ohio would receive
quality services.

During the ‘80’s ACTION
also began producing resources for victims and service providers. They
include “Justice for Ohio’s Domestic Violence Victims: An Easy Guide to
Using the Justice System” and “Volunteer Guide for Domestic Violence
Shelters.”

In the ‘90’s the
organization’s name was officially changed to ACTION OHIO Coalition For
Battered Women. After several office moves, ACTION OHIO is now located at
5900 Roche Dr., Suite 445, Columbus, OH 43229.

OUR MISSIONBack to topACTION OHIO’s mission is to promote quality
programs, services, and resources to survivors of domestic violence. Our
goal is to ensure equal rights and empowerment for all individuals as we
work toward the eradication of family violence in our society.

Each person has the right to and the
responsibility of self-determination;

Family violence is a systemic, not an
individual, problem;

Domestic violence is a crime and is not to
be tolerated;

There is strength in diversity.

CORE SERVICESBack to topACTION OHIO’s core services are
resource/referral, technical assistance, professional education, public
awareness, community outreach, and public policy leadership within the
domestic violence community.